Llewelyn-Davies Sahni to Lead Two Major Redevelopment Projects in Houston's Midtown District

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - May 25, 2011) - Llewelyn-Davies Sahni (LDS), a leading architecture and urban design firm in Houston continues to lead two redevelopment / upgrade projects for Midtown TIRZ and Houston Community College in Houston's historic Midtown District. The projects will include approximately 90 block fronts in and around the HCC Central Campus, major open space redevelopment program in and around the existing campus and construction of a major plaza in the foreground of the campus's San Jacinto Building.

"The work to be done is a significant part of the revitalization of Houston's Midtown, and it will dramatically change the campus ambience at HCC Central campus," said Randhir Sahni, president of Llewelyn-Davies Sahni. "The new look and new features will provide a sense of place with a sense of arrival, and become a destination for visitors and residents."

The Star Plaza, a magnificent outdoor area and perhaps the crown jewel of this redevelopment project, will be located on the HCC Central Campus adjacent to the San Jacinto Building currently under renovation. It represents Houston's commitment to education, as the San Jacinto Building was the birthplace of the University of Houston, HISD and HCC. The new Plaza will include a replica of the San Jacinto Monument as the visual focus of a planned Star of Texas. In January 2011, HCC Board funded the redevelopment of the historic San Jacinto Building. The Star Plaza improvements will complement 90 block-front improvements on blocks adjacent to the campus and will visually reinforce the focal architecture qualities of the San Jacinto Building.

The Central College campus of the HCC System is the largest landholding entity in Midtown Houston and has the largest international student enrollment of any community college system in the nation. The Central Campus -- the first in the HCC System -- spans 16 city blocks in the physical core of Midtown.

These improvements will enhance as well as provide for the needed community open space and should stimulate neighborhood redevelopment. Establishing a destination for Houstonians may also bolster commerce in Midtown, and help revitalize the area while serving the needs of the HCC District and the students.

Inspiration for this redevelopment concept was drawn from various world-renowned urban spaces which served as examples of how best to exploit street amenities and manage ground plane treatment while providing a superior educational experience. The Plaza will be the "lung" of Midtown and potentially inspire quality private physical redevelopment.

Improvement plans to be implemented along Caroline, Holman and Alabama Streets will be funded by Midtown TIRZ by use of tax dollars. Improvements include upgrading the area from the back of the street curbs to the ROW line with features such as new trees, ground cover, new hardscape, signage, lighting and street amenities such as benches, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, banners, and other support infrastructure.

Work on the $20 million project is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2011. Major improvements are targeted to be completed by 2014.

About Llewelyn-Davies Sahni (LDS)
Llewelyn-Davies Sahni, a firm based in Houston, TX, is dedicated to being the world's leading architects, planners and designers delivering innovative buildings, master plans and strategies. LDS provides a range of international design consultancy services including architecture, planning, urban design, interior design, and healthcare facility planning. With the belief that good design and planning creates significant value, LDS has met the needs and expectations of a range of clients from major corporations, developers, and healthcare institutions to education and research organizations, public/private partnerships and local, state and federal government entities. LDS is driven by a desire to provide inspiring, innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges.